AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter
Eleven
“Mandy and John seem happier than ever,” Mac said conversationally.
Willa smiled. “They are pretty great together. He’s a bit authoritarian for my taste, but I know some women like that.”
“I know some women who do, too, you included.”
“Hardly.”
“They work well together,” Mac continued.
“Because Mandy always gives in.”
Mac snorted. “That isn’t how it works, and you know it. Mandy is a lot of things, but she isn’t weak. It takes a strong woman to submit to the man in her life.”
“I’m not submissive, Mac. I never was and never will be.”
“I never wanted you to be submissive, I just want you to submit to me. You’re a strong, fiercely independent, and passionate woman. I need to be with someone who can stand on her own two feet when I can’t be there. But you’re also hotheaded and a bit reckless. I think having a partner who can rein you in and hold you accountable will give you the structure and support you need.”
“I’m not doing this again, Mac. I’m not saying I don’t still find you attractive. Annoying as you are, I think you’re all kinds of sexy, but there’s no way in hell I’m answering to anybody but me.”
“Not true, Willa. You will answer to me. I don’t lie, and I don’t make idle threats. You step too far out of line, and I’ll put you over my knee for a little old-fashioned discipline—especially now. You’re going to stay put until we can make sure Eastwick is no longer a threat.”
“I wouldn’t count on that, Mac.”
“Keep pushing, Willa, and you’ll get that spanking that has you so hot and bothered.”
“Hot and bothered? Are you kidding me? There’s nothing about that I find even remotely interesting.”
Mac took a long drink from the bottle of water, then sighed.
“Yeah, you do. Every time I kiss you or tell you I’m going to spank you if you don’t behave, your nipples bead up, and your entire body language changes. Remember, I know you, and I am professionally trained to pick up on people’s subtle signs of changes in their emotions. I’m good at it, and it’s saved my life a time or two, so keep that in mind.”
Willa pushed the coffee table into its folded position.
“I cooked. You can clean up. I want to go home.”
“Cleaning up, I’m happy to do, but you’re not going home.”
“Then what would you like me to sleep in?”
“I suppose it’s too soon to tell you I always liked you naked in my arms.”
She gave a shriek of frustration.
He stood up, piling the dishes together, then leaned over and kissed her. Willa couldn’t understand why she stood there and did nothing, or why she moved closer to him to deepen the kiss.
“I despise you,” she whispered as she broke it off.
Mac chuckled. “No, you don’t. You’re just pissed because you know I’m right, and you don’t want me to be.”
She turned and walked toward what she hoped was the bedroom in a huff. If it wasn’t, she was going to feel like an idiot. Thankfully, she was right, and the door made a loud noise as she slammed it behind her, then engaged the deadbolt.
She checked the closet but didn’t see anything that looked particularly comfortable to sleep in. However, in the dresser drawer, she found a very large T-shirt that should cover everything it needed to.
Willa went into the attached bath and turned on the shower. After stripping out of her clothes, she folded them neatly, which would allow her to slip into them quickly once the marshal was sleeping soundly enough, she could quietly slip away. She’d show him he wasn’t going to tell her what to do, no matter how much she liked kissing him and the feel of his strong hands on her body again.
